Integrating Assessment into Early Language Learning and Teaching

Takes an assessment perspective on the current debate about whether teaching languages to ever-younger (pre-school) children is beneficial

The volume unites research and practice on integrating language learning, teaching and assessment at pre- and early school age. It provides useful case study insights for policymakers, teacher educators and researchers, and practical ideas for practitioners who wish to implement greater integration of assessment and learning in their own contexts.

Danijela Prošić-Santovac is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Studies and the Head of the Centre for Languages at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. She teaches methodology courses on English Language Teaching at preschool and early school age as well as academic writing courses. In addition, her research interests include integrating children's literature into teaching, and her most recent publication is The Magical Art: Appropriation, Reception and Interpretation of Fairy Tale (2019).

Shelagh Rixon was an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick, UK until her retirement in 2010. Currently, she is an Associate Tutor for the MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Leicester, UK. Her research interests include the teaching of early English literacy to children learning English as a Foreign Language and the roles of assessment in primary school level English Language Teaching.

Danijela Prošić-Santovac is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Studies and the Head of the Centre for Languages at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. She teaches methodology courses on English Language Teaching at preschool and early school age as well as academic writing courses. In addition, her research interests include integrating children's literature into teaching, and her most recent publication is The Magical Art: Appropriation, Reception and Interpretation of Fairy Tale (2019).

Shelagh Rixon was an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick, UK until her retirement in 2010. Currently, she is an Associate Tutor for the MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Leicester, UK. Her research interests include the teaching of early English literacy to children learning English as a Foreign Language and the roles of assessment in primary school level English Language Teaching.

This volume contains examples of the rigour, discipline and sensitivity that must be applied in developing and reviewing age-appropriate assessment techniques and practices that fit with instructional purposes in early years language instruction. It is useful to convince educational authorities and school management of the importance of assessment literacy among teachers. It provides teachers with ideas for how to make assessment an organic part of instruction with the aim of keeping young learners engaged and challenged.